Andrea Vaughan

Andrea Vaughan is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Interim Director of the Center for Literacy (CFL). Her work bridges research, teaching, and community engagement to advance equitable literacy practices. Dr. Vaughan focuses on youth writing development, curriculum innovation, and out-of-school literacies, emphasizing how informal writing practices can inform inclusive classroom strategies. She leads CFL’s initiatives in research, partnerships, and programming aimed at improving literacy opportunities for Chicago families.

Her research employs qualitative methods to study writing in schools, community spaces, and informal settings. Key themes include disciplinary literacy development through after-school poetry programs, spatial justice pedagogies on Chicago’s South Side, and culturally sustaining approaches to teaching grammar and literature. Recent publications explore embodied writing experiences, caregiver engagement, and youth voice in urban contexts.

Dr. Vaughan teaches graduate courses on literacy pedagogy, disciplinary literacies, and community-based learning at UIC. Her work consistently bridges theory and practice, advocating for curricula that honor students’ lived experiences and cultural backgrounds. The Center for Literacy, under her leadership, operates as a vital community engagement hub for the College of Education, fostering collaborative projects with schools and organizations across Chicago.